Need help.. ERCP vs removing the GB - Digestive Disorders Message Board

mnmnmnmn · 10-18-2006, 08:32 PM

Ok so I need some help in making a decision. I am a 28 year old that had 24 hour flu bug and two weeks later developed this terrible pain in my abdomen. I have been diagnosed with pancreatitis. I have had ultrasound, CT scan, HIDA scan, scoped up and down, and MRCP which all showed normal findings other than pancreas. After finally seeing a GI specialist, he thinks that it is possible that I either have a dysfuctionaly sphincter of Odi (which i dont understand since this is my first bout of pancreatitis) or i have a "sludgy" bile system which doesnt show on scans. He gave me the option of either having a ERCP or to just take the gallbladder out. I have heard that the ERCP is quite painfull, but as is having your gallbladder out. I fear a couple things. One that if i do the ERCP that I may still wind up with a surgery to remove gallbladder. But two fearful that it has nothing to do with my gallbladder and taking it out will do nothing for my current pain. Any thoughts about one way or the other?????

Titchou · 10-18-2006, 09:13 PM

Well, as far as I am concerned, having the gb out was not "painful"...uncomfortable but not painful. However, I'd hold off if I were you. I'm not convinced it's your problem.

*Versailles* · 10-19-2006, 12:04 PM

I had my gallbladder taken out, and two hours later went for a walk. It was uncomfortable, but honestly didn't think it was much worse than having the cramps from the flu or similar...and I felt sooooo much better.

The gallbladder surgery can usually be done by using a newer procedure where they only need to make three very small incisions (the biggest being the width of a quarter). Then they do all the surgery through those. It is pretty fast...about 45 min. and like I said, you heal really fast. They usually say you can return to work within just days.

Hope things go well.
-Vers

*Versailles* · 10-19-2006, 12:08 PM

I just read back through your post and realized I should add this as well...I wouldn't go through with the gallbladder thing just yet. Your symptoms don't sound like gallbladder. Gallbladder problems are usually a sharp or aching pain under the ribs, more on the right side. Also, you will feel EXTREMELY nauseated after eating fatty or greasy foods, or even vomit. When I was having gallbladder problems, I had to lay down for hours after eating and was frequently throwing up.

I would go back and talk to your doctor again, or ask for a second opinion.

mnmnmnmn · 10-22-2006, 02:51 PM

Ok so do either of you, or anyone else for that matter have any recommendations or thoughts as to what might be my problem??? I guess the other piece of information that i didnt put in my first post is I am now 6 weeks post this "24 hour flu bug", yet i continue to have pain in the middle of my abdomen (just below my rib cage) that tracts down the edge of my rib cage on the right side. I have had pancreas enzymes that come down and then go up again. I for sure do not have gall stones, however i do have a polyup but have had it for at least one year with no problem. Apparently this is why they think that i have this sludgy bile, because typically pancreatitis is related to gallbladder problems. All I know is this, it has been extremely hard to get into a specialist and after suffering day in and day out with this pain, I can stand to wait much longer. I know this isnt classical gallbladder pain, but again i dont have gall stones which is typically gallbladders problem. Any thoughts??